Training device for accurate shootouts

ABSTRACT

Device for training or for playing shootouts (1), designed to be fixed between two posts, including a flexible band (2) that is elastic and has two opposite free ends (20, 21), first removable fixation means (3) that are secured to a first end (20) of the band, and second removable fixation means (4) that are secured to the second end (21) of the band, wherein said first and second removable fixation means are able to guarantee an removable fixation of the device directly to the two respective posts, the first removable fixation means (3) being able to create a strapping around the posts with the band (2) in the shape of a knot (50).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device for training or for playing accurate shootouts, in particular a training device for accurate shootouts for soccer.

The invention is particularly described as a training device for the accuracy of shootouts for soccer, without being restricted to it. The device of the invention may also be used for handball, hockey, etc. As a rule, the device of the invention applies to any sports activity in relation with training or playing shootouts between two posts (with a ball or any other object) in order to aim at a delineated area (such as a lower area, preferably, or a higher area) between the two posts.

In the description, «shootout» shall be understood as shooting a ball or any other object with the feet or any tool and aiming at an area remotely between two posts.

To practice shooting a ball at a goal, a device in the state of art, such as in the application FR2640514, is a blocking panel in a flexible material that blocks all the goal between the posts and is fixed with multiple hooks to the net of the goal and with stakes in the ground, wherein the panel includes at least one localized, possibly closeable, shooting opening. The player who wants to practice must try and aim at an opening with the ball.

However, such a device is burdensome to install and use. Indeed, the blocking pannel has to be tied in multiple places on its four sides and makes it necessary to have available many binding hooks for three sides and stakes to fix the fourth side to the ground. It is also necessary to have available a bag to tidy the pannel and all fixing accessories without losing them and to transport them. All this is therefore cumbersome. In addition, when the shootout is successfull, the ball that passed an opening remains in the goal behind the obturation pannel. The user cannot recover the ball for a new shootout and needs many balls to practise. Certainly, shooting openings can be associated with sleeves hanging freely to the ground that make it possible to hold back the ball when it has passed the opening. However, the fabrication of such a pannel is complex.

In addition, the openings of such a device are located near to the angles and along the posts. Statistical studies have been made about the way soccer players score goals. They show that a major part of the goals at high-level soccer matches, more than 70%, are scored on the ground. Hence, there is a need to reveal a training device that prompts players when practicing to repeatedly aim at the goal on the ground, and then improve and develop some automatic technical movement for shooting on the ground.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of this invention is thus to counter said drawbacks by proposing an device for training or for playing shootouts that urges players to aim at a restricted area between two posts, particularly on the ground, without shooting above an horizontal upper limit, wherein the device should be implemented quickly and easily both for installation and uninstallation, and it should not be cumbersome while being easy to manufacture.

According to the invention, the device for training or for playing shootouts that can be fixed (on a goal) between two posts is in accordance with claim 1. In particular, the device for training or for playing shootouts includes a flexible band that is elastic and has two opposite free ends, first removable fixation means that are secured to a first end of the band (and that preferably include a rigid or semi-rigid end part), and second removable fixation means that are secured to the second end of the band, wherein said first and second removable fixation means are able to guarantee an removable fixation of the device (an removable fixation of the band) directly to the two respective posts. First and second fixation means are distinct from the band itself; they are fixed to the band. The first removable fixation means are able to create a strapping around the posts with the band in the shape of a knot.

Hence, the training device is mainly a band to tie to two posts (in particular a goal) and to maintain at a certain height from the ground, preferably low above the ground. This way, the training device is designed easy to manufacture. In addition, it is extremely little cumbersome and its installation is quick and easy and its uninstallation is just as easy.

Thus, the training device discloses a locating and delineation band of the shooting area, in particular for shooting on the ground, and urges the player to aim at the goal in a delineated area by visualization of the arrangement (in particular toward the ground). In addition, the device (the band) can be easily set at any desired height. You can even change quickly this height if required while practicing. For example, the device can be set at 70 cm above the ground and progressively set down lower by moving it quickly to restrict even more the lengthwise area from the ground.

Unexpectedly, such a device is particularly efficient to urge the user to systematically aim at the ground. Moreover, thanks to its general design as a band, it is very easy to recover any ball in the goal. Until now, nobody had ever thought of such a device for practicing or playing shootouts. Furthermore, the elasticity of the band has the benefit to adapt to the width of the posts, in particular if the distance between them is not standard. The elasticity is also a security for a goalkeeper between the posts: if he plunges to the goal, even on to the band, it will generate no resistance and may even be flattened to the ground without any risk of injuries for the goalkeeper; when the goalkeeper stands up, the band recovers its initial length and position.

The elastic band is able to stretch out in position of use. It is shorter than the distance between the posts, on which it is designed to be tied. It will be made in various lengths to accommodate various values of distance between two posts, in particular to accommodate the various dimensions of goals.

According to a preferential characteristic, the second removable fixation means have a distinct design from the first removable fixation means. In a variant, each of the two ends may include the same removable fixation means.

According to a characteristic, the first and second removable fixation means are able to create two strappings with the band at each end of the band, in particular in the position of setting the training device (hence in position of use), in particular in order to encircle their respective posts. Since the bands are elastic, the strappings can be put against the posts and stretched, which guarantees excellent positioning.

Advantageously, the training device is used by creating two fixation strappings around respectively two distant posts at the two ends of the band thanks to the first and second removable fixation means.

Preferably, the first removable fixation means are able to create a strapping around the posts with the band in the shape of a slipknot. By «slipknot», it shall be understood a knot that makes it possible to put the band around the post when pulling on the band: the more you pull on the band, the shorter the strapping and the tighter the band directly on the post. This way, you are sure that one of the ends of the training device will never fall off (the post) when said device is set, which secures the device. Indeed, if the second fixation means ever detach from the second post because they form a simple attachment loop, the elastic band will come off the post and fall to the ground, since it remains firmly tied to the first post thanks to the knot. On the contrary, if the first fixation means were removable clamps, for example, and if the device falls off at its two end at the same time, the elastic strength of the band may expel it, and it may hurt someone around. In a preferential embodiment, the first removable fixation means include a rigid or semi-rigid end part, such as a loop or a ring, with a passing hole (such as a buckle) that allows the second end of the band to pass (in order to create a knot, such as a slipknot). This embodiment is particularly advantageous to install the device quickly, particularly if the device is to be set by one person only, while securing the device during and after its installation. Indeed, to implement the device, the user sets the first end of the band around one of the posts, slides the second end through the buckle of the end part to make a loop with the band in the shape of a knot (slipknot) and pull all the length of the band until strapping closely the post. Then, the user only has to tie the second end to the second post to finish the installation. In addition, using a rigid or semi-rigid end part with a buckle allows a quick introduction and guiding of the band to make a strapping and a secure tightening of said strapping around the associated post, which gives a better fixing of the device during the practice or the play (in particular if the band stretches when the ball touches it after a wrong shoot) and prevents the band from slipping.

The rigid or semi-rigid end part is preferably secured to the band in an irremovable manner. Preferably, the first removable fixation means are able to create a strapping around the posts with the band in the shape of a slipknot, by passing the second end through the rigid or semi-rigid end part, while the second removable fixation means are positioned on the same side of the band and include a first part that is secured to the distal end of the band, and a second part that is apart from said first part, wherein both parts can be fixed in an removable way to each other, in particular by mutual cooperation in a male-female form-locked manner.

In a preferential embodiment, the first removable fixation means include a (rigid or semi-rigid) end piece with a double loop, wherein the first buckle is used to fix the part with the end of the band, preferably in an irremovable way when creating the device (particularly by sliding the distal end of the band through this first loop, then folding and fixing in an irremovable manner, i.e. sewing, thermowelding or riveting), and wherein the second buckle is adapted to the passing of the band to create a strapping with the band in the shape of a slipknot, in order to secure the arrangement at a post (when strapping with a slipknot around one of the posts).

According to another characteristic, the end piece is made of rigid or semi-rigid plastic material and/or includes a coating against the abrasion of the surface against which the part is made to be applied (so that it does not damage the paint on the post), wherein said part, if it is semi-rigid, or said coating is made of a foam.

The end part is preferably rigid. Have a rigid part guarantees that you can hold it in hand and helps guide it efficiently through the (second) buckle. The implementation is very quick: you hold firmly the part in hand and you insert the band directly and easily through the buckle.

The band is preferably flat and rectangular.

Advantageously, the end part incudes at least one buckle with a rectangular section.

According to another characteristic, the second removable fixation means include a quick-release system. The quick-release system is preferably a hook and loop attachment system (of Velcro® type). As a variant, the attachment system could be a snap fastener system.

Device according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the second removable fixation means are positioned in the second end of the band and on a same side of the band, in particular on the rear side designed to be opposite to the player when using the training device, and in that they include a first part that is secured to the distal end of the band, and a second part that is apart from said first part, wherein both parts can be fixed in an removable way to each other, in particular by mutual cooperation in a male-female form-locked manner.

In particular, in this embodiment, both parts of the second removable fixation means are secured in an removable manner by mutual cooperation in a male-female form-locked manner, in particular by a hook and loop attachment system such as Velcro® type hooks and loops able to mutually cooperate. The first and the second part of the second removable fixation means are secured to the same side of the band and are separate by a distance that matches at least the perimeter of the post. The distance between the second part of the removable fixation means is preferably 30 to 40 cm from the first part. In the process of implementation of the device, fixing will be made by circling the post with the second end of the band including said second removable fixation means, and by making the two parts cooperate with one another by mutual cooperation.

According to another characteristic, the band includes locating means able to distinguish the band from the environment where the device is to be implemented, in particular wherein the locating means include patterns and/or bright or fluorescent colours.

According to another characteristic, the training device includes at least one sensor, preferably secured to the band, in particular wherein the at least one sensor are able to provide sound warning functions and/or statistical data.

As a rule, the band in the training device shall have any desired length and width, tailor-made colours and patterns, and/or include logos.

According to another characteristic, the device for training or playing shootouts includes at least one piece designed to be a target or to delineate and area, which is able to be hung after the band wherein the part is fixed on the band in an removable way (such as by passing the band through holes in the part or by engagement of the part on the band thanks to a hook and loop attachment system) or in an irremovable way (such as by sewing). Parts can be made of fabric or some rigid or semi-rigid material (while being light enough not to make the band collapse in position of use).

The invention also discloses a method of using the training device by creating two fixation strappings around respectively two distant posts at the two ends of the band thanks to the first and second removable fixation means, wherein one of the loops preferably creates a slipknot. In particular, the device is used alone and be fixed (directly) to the two posts, by creating, at the two ends of the band thanks to the first and second removable fixation means, two fixing strappings around respectively both separate posts.

The invention also discloses a process to implement said device for training or playing shootouts in a manner of removably fixing said arrangement on and between two separate posts, said process including the following steps:

-   -   holding by a user of the first removable fixation means secured         to the first end of the band, in particular wherein said first         removable fixation means are able to create a slipknot with the         band, preferably wherein said first removable fixation means are         made of an end part including a buckle;     -   holding of the second end of the band and positioning high up of         the first removable fixation means around a first post;     -   cooperation of the second end of the band, then of the whole         length of the band, with the first removable fixation means, in         particular introduction of the second end of the band through         the buckle of the end part of the first removable fixation         means, then threading of the whole length of the band through         said belt loop in order to create a first strapping with the         band as a slipknot at the first end of the band while the rest         of the length of the band remains free;     -   holding again of the second end of the band to take it to the         second post, turning around said post and bringing the second         end back against the band to create a second strapping, and         fixing the band to the second removable fixation means that are         preferably made of a quick-release system, such as a hook and         loop attachment system.

The invention also discloses a method of using of a flexible and elastic band including two opposite free ends, characterized in that the band includes, at its both ends respectively, of first and second removable fixation means, wherein said first and second removable fixation means are distinct from the band, and wherein the band is used to be tied on and between two posts, at a certain height from the ground, in order to create a device for training or playing shootouts, in particular to a zone delineated by the ground, the band and the two posts. In particular, the device is used for soccer or handball or hockey.

Further in the description, the words «vertical», «upper», «lower», «high», «low» are used in the context of a normal use of the device, which means relatively to a horizontal installation in reference to a flat horizontal ground.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is now described thanks to examples that are only illustrative and not restrictive relatively to the scope of the invention, and from the appended figures, where:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view from above of the training device according to the invention, unused.

FIG. 2 shows a frontal view of the training device, used, stretched between two posts of a goal.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the training device when used, at the first end to tie to a post.

FIG. 4 is a detail view of the FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 shows a side perspective view of the completion of the installation of the training device to tie the second end to the other post.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective and detail view from above of the FIG. 5 with the second end fixed.

FIG. 7 is a schematic frontal view of the training device with parts as targets or zone delineations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The device for training or playing shootouts 1 of the invention as shown on the FIG. 1 is designed to be set between two posts P1 and P2 of a goal 10 and in an horizontal plane, in order to delineate, for a player, a shooting zone 11, as shown on FIG. 2 .

The device for training or playing shootouts includes a flexible band 2, first removable fixation means 3 positioned at one of the ends of the band, and second removable fixation means 4 positioned at the other end of the band, wherein the first and second removable fixation means are designed to secure the removable fixation of the arrangement for training 1, respectively to the posts P1 and P2, in order to set the band 2 horizontally stretched between the two posts at a certain height from the ground. The band 2 delineates the shooting zone 11 between itself, the ground and the two posts.

The flexible band 2 is elastic. The band is made of a woven material. Thus, it is reusable. It is full part a training accessory that is easy to transport, tidy, and can constantly be re-used. The band is made of a woven material that includes an elastic material, like latex. For example, the band is made of nylon, polyester and latex.

The band 2 extends between two free ends 20 and 21. It shows two opposite sides 2A and 2B, wherein a front side 2A is designed to face the user, and the opposite side, called back side 2B, is designed to front the inner part of the goal 10.

The band 2 is flat. It is preferably less than 5 mm (ca. 2.5 mm) thick. It is ca. 5 cm wide, for example. It may be wider.

The length of the band 2 is adapted to the distance between the posts P1 and P2. It may be shorter than this distance: since it is elastic, it is able to stretch. In the following example of a training device 1 for a soccer goal, whose posts P1 and P2 can be 6m or 7.32m apart, the length of the band 2 can be 4m at rest and reach 8m when stretched.

The band 2 preferably includes visual locating means 22, such as patterns and/or coloured parts, whose colour is different from the rest of the band, in particular wherein the colours are bright and/or fluorescent. The visual locating means 22 allow the player to distinguish clearly the band from the environment of the goal.

The removable fixation means 3 and 4 make it possible to tie the training device 1 in an removable manner around each post P1 and P2. The removable fixation means 3 and 4 allow a strapping of the respective posts P1 and P2 by the band 2 and to maintain the band 2 fixed in position around the posts and at a distance from the ground.

The first removable fixation means 3 at the end 20 of the band and the second removable fixation means 4 at the opposite end 21 are distinct from the band 2 and are sewn on it, preferably in an irremovable manner.

In addition, in the displayed example, the first removable fixation means 3 and the second removable fixation means 4 are of distinct design.

The first removable fixation means 3 are secured in an irremovable manner to the distal end 20 of the band 2. The first removable fixation means 3 include a rigid plastic end part 30. The end part 30 has the shape of a loop with two buckles 31 and 32. The end part 30 is able to create a slipknot with the band 2.

The first buckle 31 is designed to secure the end part 30 with the band 2. The band 2 has been secured with the end part 30 in an irremovable manner when manufacturing the training device 1. As shown in the detail view of FIG. 4 , the free end of band 2 was introduced through the first buckle 31, then folded and sewn.

The second belt loop 32, called tying buckle, is designed to tie and maintain the band around the post P1. After positioning the band 2 around said post, the tying buckle 32 makes it possible to pass the band 2 through in order to create a slipknot until tightening the post P1, as visible on the detail views of FIGS. 3 and 5 . The rigid loop 30 provides quick and easy tightening of the band 2 around the post P1, securely, so that the band cannot fall off.

Both buckles are preferably rectangular.

The first removable fixation means 3 under the advantageous shape of the end part 30 lead to turn around the post as a slipknot with the band 2 and keep it in place (FIG. 3 ) with the possibility to pull on the band afterward until the other post without the risk that the band falls off the post.

The second removable fixation means 4 are located at the opposite end 21 of the band 2. In the example of FIG. 1 , they are located in two distinct zones and on the same side of the band, i.e. the rear side 2B. The second removable fixation means include a first part 40 that is secured to the distal end 21 of the band, and a second part 41 that is apart from said first part 40, wherein both parts can be fixed in an removable way to each other by mutual cooperation.

As a preferential example, the first and second parts 40 and 41, respectively, of the second removable fixation means 4 are an attachment system by mutual cooperation in a male-female form-locked manner. In particular, they form a hook and loop attachment system of Velcro® type. One of the parts includes loops while the other one includes hooks. Each of the parts 40 and 41 forms a strip with a hook and loop attachment coating, which was preferably secured to the band 2.

The two parts 40 and 41 of the second removable fixation means 4 are separate by a distance that matches at least the perimeter of the post, preferably longer. The distance between the two parts 40 and 41 are, for example, ca. 30 to 40 cm. For example, each part 40 and 41 of the second removable fixation means 4 has an attachment length of ca. 15 cm.

The training device 1 can also include sensor able to provide various functions, such as sound warning functions and/or statistical data. The FIG. 4 schematically shows at least one sensor 6 that is secured to the band 2. Since the band is made of a woven material, the sensor(s) can be secured to the band by any process of the art that is used to link sensors to fabric (in a way integrated to the thickness of the fabric or to the threads, sewn on the fabric in an removable or irremovable manner, etc.) Sensors can be able to detect a shoot higher or lower than the band 2 and to deliver a sound warning of variable intensity, in particular for practicing ball sports by visually impaired persons. Sensors can also be able, for example, to get statistical data about the speed of the ball, the number of shootouts and their frequency. The sensors can be able to communicate their data through remote communication means, such as Bluetooth.

Here is the process for implementation of the training device 1.

The training device 1 does not take up a lot of place and can be completely coiled. When used, it is uncoiled as in FIG. 1 .

The user holds the end 20 of the band 2 with the end part 30, puts the band 2 around the post P1 and introduces the band 2 by its opposite end 21 through the tying buckle 32 to form a strapping 50 as a slipknot, slides the rest of the band along all the length until closely strapping the post P1 (FIG. 3 ) while setting said band with its end part at any desired height on the post, wherein the height matches the delineation of the shooting zone 11 from the ground. The user tightens the band around the post P1 thanks to the end part 30 (FIG. 4 ), which holds firmly the band without the risk that it may slip.

Then, the user holds the other end 21 of the band 2, moves to the other post P2 (FIG. 5 ), which stretches the band 2, turns around said post P2 to create a strapping 51 and joins the distal end of the band with the first part 40 of the second removable fixation means 4 face to the second part 41. The user only has to put the first part 40 against the second part 41 (FIG. 6 ) to mate both parts 40 and 41, and thus to fix the band 2 onto the second post P2. The training device 1 is operational.

To dismantle the training device 1, the user unties the first part 40 of the second part 41 of the second removable fixation means 4, walks to the other post and pulls out the band 2 from the tying buckle 32.

Hence, the training device 1 provides a clear delineation of the zone that the players have to shoot at. Its design guarantees quick and easy implementation, and uninstallation just as quick. The training device 1 allows its installation at any desired height. The person who sets up the device can be alone and needs no help. The training device 1 is very compact when not in use. The elasticity of the band makes it possible to easily adapt various distances between posts and it guarantees that a goalkeeper in front of the goal won't tear off the device and get hurt.

In addition, the preferential mode of fixing by an end piece with a buckle guarantees a firm fixing around one of the posts thanks to a slipknot and prevents the band from sliding when in use. This mode of setting guarantees a very good tightening while providing very good maintain around the post when the band is under strain (ball disturbing the band at a shootout, goalkeeper lying down on the band). The tying to the other post with a hook and loop attachment system is quick and there is no risk of snag when not in use, contrarily to snap fasteners.

In an embodiment as shown in the FIG. 7 , the training device 1 can include parts 7 as targets or zone delineations, which can be hung to the band 2. The parts can be made of fabric or of a semi-rigid or rigid material light enough not to make the band collapse when in position of installation. The parts 7 are not necessarily square- or rectangular-shaped. The parts 7 can be fixed to the band 2 in an removable manner. For example, a part 7 can be fixed by passing the band 2 through the adequate holes and positioned at the upper part of the part, or a part 7 can be fixed by a hook and loop attachment system (of Velcro® type). As a variant, the part 7 can be fixed in an irremovable manner to the band 2. For example, it can be sewn. 

1. A device for training or for playing shootouts (1), designed to be fixed between two posts, including a flexible band (2) that is elastic and has two opposite free ends (20, 21), first removable fixation means (3) that are secured to a first end (20) of the band, and second removable fixation means (4) that are secured to the second end (21) of the band, wherein said first and second removable fixation means are able to guarantee an removable fixation of the device directly to the two respective posts, the first removable fixation means (3) being able to create a strapping around the posts with the band (2) in the shape of a knot (50).
 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first removable fixation means (3) are able to create a strapping around the posts with the band (2) in the shape of a slipknot (50).
 3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first removable fixation means (3) include a rigid or semi-rigid end part (30).
 4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the end part (30) includes at least one buckle with a rectangular section.
 5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first removable fixation means (3) include an end piece (30) with a double loop, wherein the first buckle (31) is used to fix the part with the end of the band, and wherein the second buckle (32) is adapted to the passing of the band to create a strapping (50) around the posts in the shape of a slipknot.
 6. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the end piece (30) is made of rigid or semi-rigid plastic material and/or includes a coating against the abrasion of the surface against which the part is made to be applied, wherein said part, if it is semi-rigid, or said coating is made of a foam.
 7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second removable fixation means (4) include a quick-release system (40, 41).
 8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the quick-release system (40, 41) is a hook and loop attachment system.
 9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second removable fixation means (4) are positioned in the second end (21) of the band and on a same side (2B) of the band, and in that they include a first part (40) that is secured to the distal end of the band, and a second part (41) that is apart from said first part (40).
 10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the both parts are fixed in an removable way to each other, by mutual cooperation in a male-female form-locked manner.
 11. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the second removable fixation means (4) are positioned in the second end (21) of the band and on the rear side (2B) designed to be opposite to the player when using the training arrangement.
 12. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the band (2) includes locating means (22) able to distinguish the band from the environment where the arrangement is to be implemented, the locating means include patterns and/or bright or fluorescent colours.
 13. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes at least one sensor (6), wherein the at least one sensor is able to provide sound warning functions and/or statistical data.
 14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the said at least one sensor (6) is secured to the band (2).
 15. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes at least one piece (7) designed to be a target or to delineate an area, which is able to be hung to the band (2) in a position of use of the band, wherein the piece (7) is fixed in an removable or irremovable way on the band (2).
 16. A method of using a device according to claim 1 when fixed on two separate posts (P1, P2), characterized in that it is used alone to link and be fixed to the two posts, by creating, at the two ends (20, 21) of the band (2) thanks to the first and second removable fixation means (3, 4), two fixing strappings (50, 51) around respectively both separate posts (P1, P2).
 17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that one of the loops (50) forms a slipknot.
 18. The method according to claim 16 for soccer or handball or hockey. 